What a Difference!!!

One year ago today, we received our referral for two little Ethiopian twin boys, Opiyew and Uchan!! We were so overwhelmed, excited, and amazed at God's story and how it was unfolding in our lives. To read about that incredible day, click here. We also received pictures of our new sons that day, and we were able to see their little faces for the first time - the faces that we had prayed so hard for, waited so long for, and loved so much, even before we knew who God had in store for us.

Today, I am posting all of their referral photos, along with some "referral re-takes" that I took this week. What a difference a year makes! What a difference a family makes!

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Happy referral-anniversary, Jalen Opiyew and Jordan Uchan!!! We cannot imagine our lives without you, and are so thankful that God brought us together!!!

Bop It.....

Oh dear. Jalen has discovered the Bop It, and I'm afraid I'll have no peace for the rest of the summer.

He has been playing it all day, full volume of course. And every time it says, "I'm going to sleep," he says, "No you're not! You wake up right now!" And proceeds to play it again. When it says, "You're out," he says, "No I'm not! You're out, you stupid man!"

Pray for my sanity, please............thank you.

Our Weekend in Photos.....

We had a fun and busy weekend! It started off on Friday when I surprised the girls with an overnight getaway to Great Wolf Lodge for Malia's birthday. David, Larisa and Yikealo met us there, and the kids had a great time playing in the water together. It was David and Larisa's last little vacation as a family of 3 - they are leaving today for Ethiopia to bring their adorable new son home!!! We can't wait to meet him! Anyway, here are some photos from our weekend birthday getaway:

And here are the birthday buddies. Yikealo and Malia both turned 6 last week!

Yikealo picked this yellow flower for Malia, and then proceeded to dance with her!

When we got home on Saturday evening, Malia opened her birthday presents.

Then, we celebrated Father's Day a day early since Chris had to leave on a business trip yesterday.

I love this card that Malia made for him:

It says: "Happy Father's Day! You are the best! I love you Dad! Hmmmmm! Do I love you Dad? Yes I love you. To: Dad From: Malia    He loves to eat seafood! He loves me! I love you!" So cute!

Each of the kids filled out a paper for Chris, where they answered various questions about him. I had to laugh at some of the twins' answers:

My dad is 3 years old. (Jalen and Jordan)

He is 4 feet tall and weighs 4 pounds. (Jalen)

He is 1 feet tall and weighs 3 pounds. (Jordan)

He has brown hair and white eyes. (Jalen and Jordan)

He is smart because he knows how to eat. (Jalen)

He is the best in the family at going to stores. (Jalen)

My dad is special to me because he's white chocolate. (Jalen)

If I could give my daddy anything, it would be throwing candy at him. (Jordan)

Another exciting thing happened this weekend: Jordan and Jalen both learned how to ride their bikes without training wheels! At 3 1/2 years old, they have learned this skill quickly!

And that's a wrap! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, too!!!

Happy Birthday, Malia!!!

Today we are celebrating Malia's 6th birthday!!!

At 6 years old, Malia is smart, silly, playful, affectionate, outgoing, full of drama, and very girly! She writes me notes all the time telling me how much she loves me, and she is my little angel. In honor of her 6th birthday, I interviewed her about a few of her favorite things. Here are her answers:

favorite food: chili

favorite color: rainbow

favorite song: Now I Belong to Jesus

favorite toy: Darla (one of my dolls)

favorite thing to wear: my new cupcake nightgown

favorite candy: Whoppers

favorite book: my princess book

favorite animal: elephant

favorite vacation spot: water park

favorite summer activity: swimming

If you could go anywhere in the world, which place would you choose: Africa

best friends: Haley, Elyse and Lynelle

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it: give it to poor people

Who is the best mom in the world: you

Ok, so that last one may have been a little unnecessary, but I was running out of ideas for questions! :-)

Malia Brooke, we hope you have a fabulous birthday and a wonderful time as a 6-year-old! We are so thankful that God has blessed our lives with you. We love you so so so so so so much!!!

Bits and Pieces.....

Whew! June is almost half over already! Here are some bits and pieces of our lives the past few weeks:

1. This is how we've been playing Memory (Malia's favorite game):

2. Last week, we went to a parade in our small town. Before we left, I was explaining to Jordan what a parade was, and I told him that people would throw candy to the kids. He thought it sounded very mean that someone would throw candy at him! He changed his mind, though, after diving for candy in the street and collecting a huge bag full.

3. The kids have had lots of fun with their cousins:

4. Our little nest of eggs,

is now a nest of baby birds:

5. We have been spending lots of time outside, and Malia has even had story time in the yard with all of her babies:

6. Seven months ago today, Chris and I walked through the gates of Hannah's Hope in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and were reunited with our boys. They were in our arms for good on November 13, and we wouldn't have to leave them anymore! We love these 2 little guys so much, and I also love the fact that their hair is actually a reddish-brown color - I think it is so beautiful!

7. Last night, the kids had fun at our county fair:

And that's all for now! Have a happy Wednesday!